Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hackensack, NJ: $113,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Hackensack, NJ earns a median $113,205/year (≈ $54.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Hackensack's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $98,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median annual salary for a nuclear medicine technologist in Hackensack, New Jersey, sits at an attractive $113,205, reflecting a 6.40% increase over the national figure of $106,398. The local salary range spans from $92,977 at the 10th percentile to $145,987 at the 90th percentile, indicating robust earning potential within this specialized field. These figures contribute to a compelling narrative for nuclear medicine technologists considering work in Hackensack, particularly as theranostics specialists. The significant premium attached to proficiency in radiopharmaceutical therapies like Lutathera and Pluvicto enhances their marketability and earning capacity, setting them apart in an evolving job market fueled by advancements in PET/CT imaging.
About the Hackensack Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,977 | $44.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,749 | $47.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,205 | $54.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,578 | $60.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,987 | $70.19 |
Median Salary Position
6.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hackensack
In Hackensack, NJ, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,010 (2026 est.). At $113,205, the local median is 6.4% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hackensack: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hackensack Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Hackensack median: $113,205/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hackensack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $117,921 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +6.40% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $113,205 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.40% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $117,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hackensack has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hackensack, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,205 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,268 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,937
2025 BLS Actual
$107,855
2026 Current Est.
$113,205
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,418 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,820 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hackensack metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $82,937 (2019) to $107,855 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,820 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,883 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hackensack metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $92,977 – $99,749 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,749 – $113,205 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,205 – $125,578 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,578 – $145,987 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Hackensack
In terms of job market dynamics, there are currently eight nuclear medicine technologists employed in Hackensack, NJ. While the cost-of-living index rests at 115.2, indicating that expenses exceed the national average, it also offers insights into the perceived value of local salaries. Leading employers in the area encompass hospital nuclear medicine departments and specialized outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, where experience in theranostics can significantly elevate compensation. The salary disparities arise from various factors, including the mix of PET/CT competencies versus SPECT-only skills and the need for on-call coverage. For nuclear medicine technologists striving to maximize their earnings in Hackensack, engaging in continuous education and cross-training in CT imaging, as well as seeking roles in high-demand specialties like cardiology or theranostics, can be effective strategies for enhancing their pay trajectory.
More salary data for Hackensack, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $107,855 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Hackensack metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hackensack is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov